14 Jun 2019 | 07:27 PM UTC
Algeria: Thousands demand fundamental political change in Algiers June 14 /update 11
Thousands protest in Algiers on June 14 demanding fundamental change in political leadership; similar protests expected over the coming days and weeks amid heightened security presence
Event
Thousands of demonstrators protested in Algiers for a 17th consecutive Friday on June 14, to demand fundamental changes in political leadership and the prosecution of former officials linked to the regime of former President Abdelaziz Bouteflika. Demonstrators reportedly hailed the recent arrests of multiple former Bouteflika officials on corruption charges and called for additional arrests.
Similar protests are to be expected in Algiers and other Algerian cities over the coming weeks amid a heightened security presence. Localized transportation and business disruptions are to be anticipated around demonstration sites.
Context
Bouteflika resigned as president on April 2 following weeks of protests sparked by his intention to run for a fifth term. A caretaker government was approved on March 31, though protesters have vowed to continue to hold demonstrations until the elections.
On June 2, the Algerian Constitutional Council scrapped the July 4 presidential election date, rejecting two candidates who had reportedly failed to reach 60,000 signatures in support of their candidacies. Thousands protested in Algiers following the announcement, demanding the ousting of interim President Abdelkader Bensalah, who was instructed by the Constitutional Council to organize a new election at an unspecified later date. Bensalah is expected to continue his tenure over the coming weeks amid additional anti-government protests and demonstrations.
Advice
Individuals in Algeria are advised to monitor developments, avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution, and anticipate a heightened security presence and localized business and transportation disruptions near demonstration sites.
